Deliciously Cheesy Baked Ziti
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this baked ziti recipe, brimming with layers of gooey cheese and hearty pasta. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends, each bite is a warm embrace that promises satisfaction. The delightful aroma fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist! Customize it with your favorite ingredients for a unique twist on this classic dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook ziti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- If using meat, brown ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil; mix until creamy.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, half of the pasta, and half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg